Jana Marie Gifford

life story

Jana Marie Gifford (Kottke) was born on May 21, 1968 in Buffalo, MN to Chester Edmund Kottke, Jr. and Judith (Judy) Louise Kottke (Krone). She was the youngest of 3 children. Her parents referred to her as their little wild child. She was always so happy, bubbly, and free-spirited, which were traits she carried with her throughout life. Jana and her family moved a bit in her younger years but ended up settling in St. Francis in 1977, where she spent the rest of her childhood and teenage years. She graduated from St. Francis High School in 1986. She had 2 children of her own, Joseph Gorsegner and Hope Costa-Stern (Gorsegner). She was a loving and supportive mother. She taught her children to follow their own path and dreams and to cherish their family. Jana found the love of her life, Randall (Randy) Gifford and married him on September 29, 2015. She gained two stepchildren, Laura Kriesel (Gifford) and Scott Gifford. Jana was diagnosed with a terminal ovarian cancer in July 2022. She fought with awe-inspiring strength and optimism but lost that battle after 2.5 years. She stayed true to her faith in God and found solace in knowing she would be going home to God in heaven and being reunited with her son at last. Jana loved to be in nature and capture the beauty around her in her photography. She loved to create crafts to gift to those she cared about. She loved to spend time with her family and friends and spread joy and laughter to those around her. She especially loved to be with and spoil her grandchildren. Jana was a loving wife, daughter, sister, mother, aunt, and grandmother. Everyone who knew her will cherish the memories and light she brought into their lives. She will be dearly missed by so many. This is not a Goodbye; this is a See you later.

Survived by:

Husband: Randy Gifford

Daughter: Hope (Peter) Costa-Stern

Stepchildren: Laura (Rob) Kriesel, Scott Gifford

Daughter-in-law: Landy Gorsegner

Parents: Chester and Judy Kottke

Siblings: Robin (Tracy) Wallace, Brent (Sally) Kottke

Grandchildren: Carmien, Hunter, Annika, Sylas, Brice, Adrianna, Preston

Preceded in Death by:

Son: Joe Gorsegner

memorial service

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services